Bridge conditions in Oklahoma are improving, Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a recent meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz introduced Stitt, who was attending his first commission meeting as governor. Stitt congratulated ODOT on its effort to address the condition of the state’s infrastructure, noting that Oklahoma’s bridges on the highway system are finally nearing the top of the list for the best in the nation.

In its recent annual bridge inspection report, ODOT identified 132, or less than 2 percent, of the 6,800 total bridges on the highway system as rated structurally deficient or poor. The highway system includes non-tolled state, U.S. and interstate highways maintained by ODOT. Bridges on city streets and county roads are maintained separately by local governments.

“I’ve made it clear that I believe Oklahoma can be a top 10 state in infrastructure, and we are quickly approaching that goal with our highway bridges.” Stitt said. “I want to continue this momentum as we address other critical infrastructure needs like pavement conditions and two-lane highways as well.”

In 2004, an all-time high of 1,168, or a full 17 percent, of bridges were rated structurally deficient and Oklahoma had been ranked at the bottom nationwide in bridge conditions. Through its Eight-year Construction Work Plan, ODOT made the state’s bridge infrastructure its top priority and has replaced or rehabilitated more than 1,400 bridges since 2006. Nearly all remaining structurally deficient bridges are either currently under construction or scheduled in the Eight-year Plan to begin construction in the next year.

The governor also helped kick off ODOT’s statewide work zone safety campaign, themed “In the Game of Cones, Safety Always Wins,” in reference to a popular HBO television series. The campaign has the message – Your Life Matters: Drive Like It – and seeks to remind drivers that they are far more likely than road workers to be injured or killed in highway work zones.

Stitt presented a proclamation declaring April 1-14 “Work Zone Awareness Days” and noted that in the past five years, 65 people have been killed in a work zone in Oklahoma, including four ODOT employees. Speeding, following too closely or being distracted by cell phones are cited as the top reasons for crashes in Oklahoma work zones.

“I am delighted to welcome Gov. Stitt on my first day as ODOT Executive Director,” Gatz said. “It’s very exciting for him to see the progress being made on bridges and to have his support in bringing the public’s attention to the major issue of work zone safety.” 

The commission welcomed newly appointed District 3 Commissioner T.W. Shannon, of Norman, to his first meeting. Shannon works in the banking industry and previously served many years in the state legislature, including as Speaker of the House.

As a lawmaker, Shannon chaired the House Transportation Committee and authored landmark transportation funding legislation.

As part of the consent docket, the commission approved a speed limit increase on sections of US-54 to 70 miles per hour through Texas County in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The road is primarily a four-lane divided highway and is a major commercial thoroughfare connecting New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. State Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky  praised the speed limit change.   

Commissioners awarded a $20 million contract to reconstruct the I-44 interchange at 163rd East Ave. in Tulsa and Rogers counties. The project will complete the widening of I-44 to at least six lanes between the I-244 eastern junction and SH-167/193rd East Ave. They also approved several contracts for highway resurfacing projects, including more than five miles of US-70 west of Durant, 6.5 miles of US-62 west of Chickasha and eight miles of southbound US-75 between the Tulsa County line and SH-16 near Winchester in Okmulgee County.

Altogether, commissioners voted to award 15 contracts totaling nearly $36 million to improve highways, roads and bridges in 14 counties. Contracts were awarded for projects in Beaver, Bryan, Caddo, Grady, Jefferson, Kay, Marshall, Murray, Okmulgee, Osage, Payne, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.